Local doc talks heart health info

Monday

Nov 18, 2013 at 11:03 AM

Atina RobertsMMI Reporter

Dr. Azan Khaja spoke to Rotary members on Thursday (Nov. 14), regarding technologies available through Moberly Regional Medical Center, and the new guidelines for prescribing statins to deal with cholesterol and heart health.

Recently, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for the use of statin medication. The new guidelines came after a four-year review of evidence.

Dr. Khaja stated that previously, doctors looked for a "magic" cholesterol level, and the evidence shows that there is no "magic" number.

The new guidelines create two broad risk categories. The first group — those at high risk for a cardiac event, because they have diabetes or have had a heart attack — should take a statin.

Dr. Khaja spoke at length regarding the second group: those at risk. The guidelines encourage everyone else who is at risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years to be considered for a statin. Dr. Khaja explained that everyone should be concerned with what their risk is, and he encourages individuals to work with their doctor or his office to assess their risk.

Dr. Khaja explained that those having cardiac events need to seek help immediately. He recommends calling 911 and allowing an ambulance to take the patient to the nearest emergency room. Khaja explained that in a cardiac event, time is of the essence, and making a drive to another hospital will not increase your survival rates.

Khaja started his presentation showcasing the hospital's lab and its ability to perform a catheterization through the radial artery. Many doctors are still using the femoral artery for catheterization, which has a higher risk factor than using the radial artery. Khaja explained that if an individual is needing to undergo a catheterization procedure, they should be asking their doctor if they will be using the radial artery.

Moberly Regional Medical Center offers a "HEARTaware" assessment tool on their website, at www.moberlyregionalmedicalcenter.com/heartaware. This tool allows individuals to learn more about their current risk factors, and enables users to take control of ways to reducing their risks. The assessment tool opens the door for individuals to work with their medical team to limit their risks.

Dr. Khaja said his team is available for questions at (660) 263-2400.

UPDATE: As of MMI deadline this morning, the Past President of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Steven Nissen, has called for the immediate halting of said statin guidelines due to overestimated risk.